Bus design, development and test for the Superconducting Super Collider

The power bus to be used in the Superconducting Super Collider magnets must operate in supercritical helium at 4.35 K and about 4 atm. The bus is nominally 17 m in length, must accommodate large differential thermal contractions, and must be amenable to large-quantity, cost-effective production, installation, and joining to adjacent magnets. It must be stable with respect to the largest credible disturbance and be protected in the event of a propagating normal region. Stability and protection requirements are satisfied in the design presented with Super Collider cable for the conductor located between, and soldered to, two copper braids. Variations in the energy margin and in the protection characteristics of the bus as a function of the braid dimensions and channel cooling characteristics are discussed. A stability and quench test program for the bus is underway. Results to date are described, and the status of design and production of full length bus sections is given